A pharmacist has made an unusual admission online by revealing the identity of one common over-the-counter product she would “never buy” herself.
Anum, a clinical pharmacist, took to TikTok to make a bold claim that could affect anyone suffering from a cough or sore throat. “The one medication I refuse to spend my money on are over-the-counter cough syrups,” she stated.
Despite expecting backlash, she advised that research suggests cough remedies “aren’t much better” than a placebo. So what does this mean for those battling a cough?
“These syrups aren’t actually drastically reducing the cough symptoms in comparison to those who are taking nothing or those that were taking placebo,” Anum claimed. While acknowledging that “everyone is different” and “free to spend what they want”, Anum said if she ever had a viral, non-serious cough, she would choose alternative treatments.
“I rely on hydration, rest and warm water with some lemon and a little bit of honey for a soothing benefit,” Anum revealed. She concluded by advising her followers to seek further advice from a GP or pharmacist if they have a “persistent cough” for three weeks or more.
Her followers responded with mixed views, including one TikTok user who commented: “Benylin definitely loosens a tight sore chest. The rest are rubbish I agree.”
A second individual lauded an alternative brand of cough remedy: “Covonia worked a dream for me when I got the flu, I couldn’t sleep because of the coughing.”
While a third person observed: “It’s not about not having a cough medicine, its about having the right cough syrup for the right cough.”
Supporting Anum’s video, a study conducted by Ron Eccles, director of the Common Cold Centre at the University of Cardiff and published by the National Institute of Health states: “The review proposes that the major benefit of cough medicines for treatment of cough associated with common cold is related to the placebo effect rather than the pharmacological effect of an active ingredient.”
Regarding cough treatment, the NHS recommends: “There’s usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough.”
You should:
- Rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
You could also try:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain
- Hot lemon and honey (not suitable for babies under one-year-old)
- A herbal medicine called pelargonium (suitable for people aged 12 or over)
“But there’s limited evidence to show these work. Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
